Aster novi-belgii

New York aster

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Along with the goldenrods and native grasses, asters are the quintessential herbaceous fall color plants of North America. This one is a robust upright perennial with smooth gray-green leaves. Aster novi-belgii is lovely in fall when crowned with sprays of starry purple daisies. Plants are adaptable to most moist sunny sites.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: Aster novi-belgii occurs in Eastern North America from Quebec through New England and south in the Atlantic Coastal Plain to South Carolina.

Large flower heads are arranged in showy panicles. The heads consist of a ring of 20 or more purple or pink or occasionally white ray florets that surround a central cluster of yellow disc florets. Flowers are frequented by Monarchs and other butterflies, skippers and bees.

Plants grow 3-4’ tall with 3’ spread.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Culture is easy in sunny sites with moist well drained soil. Plants thrive in part sun and in sandy or clay soils.

This wildflower tolerates some drought but unattractive or diseased foliage may develop if drought is severe. Plants may also die out in the center if they are not divided periodically.

Aster novi-belgii sometimes has issues with powdery mildew. To prevent the disease give plants good growing conditions and space for air circulation. In gardens, locate this aster in plenty of sun, irrigate during drought and limit overcrowding by using appropriate spacing for companion plants.

Plants can be pruned back to 6” early in the season to control height and promote stronger stems. Cutting should be curtailed by the end of June so that flowers have time to develop. Prune again after flowering if self-seeding is a problem or if foliage is bedraggled.

Plants are fairly unpalatable to browsing deer and rabbits.

LANDSCAPE USES: This is a good choice for a Seaside Garden, Wildlife Garden or Moist Meadow. Plants are also used as Butterfly Nectar Plants or as part of a Grouping or Mass Planting. Aster novi-belgii has Showy Blooms and is appropriate for Cottage Gardens, Deer Resistant Plantings, Low Maintenance Plantings, Perennial Borders and Restoration Projects.